Breaking the Plastic Cycle: Innovating Towards a Circular Economy

The path towards a circular economy for plastics is not an easy one, but the consequences of inaction are dire. By embracing a holistic and collaborative approach, we can create a future where plastics are responsibly managed, resources are conserved, and our planet’s health is prioritized.

Plastic pollution is a global crisis that demands urgent attention and action. While governments and international organizations are taking steps to address this issue, building local awareness and fostering community involvement is crucial for driving real, lasting change.

Companies like Tata Elxsi are pioneering innovative solutions that integrate advanced technologies and design thinking to address plastic waste management. Sandeep Thombre, Design Head – London Studio at Tata Elxsi, explained their approach, “ ‘Design with a Difference’ has always been a driving factor at Tata Elxsi. This World Environment Day, several concerns loom over us, and being a global design-oriented firm, it is up to us to pioneer sustainability-led design solutions across industries and verticals. For instance, addressing the challenge of plastic waste management is crucial for all of us. Our approach integrates advanced technologies and innovative design thinking to create a closed-loop, end-to-end design solution where plastic materials are reused, reducing environmental impact. This further extends to our selection of materials, and manufacturing techniques to enhance the longevity of the product or solution.”

As Shaina Ganapathy, Head of Community Outreach at Embassy Group, said, “While governments and international organizations are addressing plastic pollution, building local awareness and involvement is crucial for effective action. This issue demands a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach at all levels.”

“Since 2016, Embassy Group has partnered with The Anonymous Indian Charitable Trust (TAICT) on the EcoGram project in North Bengaluru. Our goal is to create a sustainable, replicable model gram panchayat for waste, water, and soil management. In panchayats and villages lacking waste management systems, single-use plastics were widespread. We launched an intensive awareness campaign targeting local government, villagers, and businesses. This initiative has established robust operations, benefiting over 4,800 households and recycling over 758 tonnes of dry waste. Products made from plastic are either recycled or given a new life as a different product”, she added.

However, tackling plastic pollution requires more than just initiatives; it necessitates a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour.

Shashi Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Akshayakalpa Organic, emphasized this point, “We can continue to write policies and stricter rules to deal with the plastic menace. But until all of us as consumers are willing to do their bit in ensuring recycling follows a circular route, that is ensure the waste we generate on a daily basis in our homes and workplace are safely disposed for recycling, the problem will persist and only get worse. At Akshayakalpa Organic we look at the plastic problem in a very holistic sense i.e., as responsible producers and consumers. Our dairy products need some amount of plastic (in packaging) to avoid wastage. But we have also reduced our use of plastic to just 3gm per litre of milk produced (against the 12gm industry average). We also ensure that our customers are not only sensitized to this challenge but are also empowered to do something about it. Even as a relatively young organic dairy brand, we have managed to recycle 30,000 kgs of plastic so far through active engagement with and support from our customers. We are working towards becoming a 100% plastic recycling brand in the next 3-4 years.”

Corporations across various sectors are recognizing their role in addressing this challenge. UST has embraced a comprehensive sustainability approach that includes addressing plastic pollution along seashores through their ‘Adopt a Beach’ initiative. Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer and Global Head – Development Center Operations at UST, explained, “UST is deeply committed to sustainability, embracing a comprehensive approach that extends to addressing plastic waste along seashores. This commitment strongly resonates with our ethos in creating an immense and limitless impact on both environment and society.”

To truly achieve plastic circularity, a holistic approach that encompasses product design, economic incentives, policy frameworks, and consumer education is essential. Shaquiba Husain, Senior Manager of Marketing at Ascendion said, “One of the most compelling aspects of plastic circularity is its holistic approach. By designing products for longevity and reusability, we can reduce the need for single-use plastics.”

In the data center industry, embracing the principles of the circular economy through its operational sustainability is a key strategy. Manoj Paul, Managing Director, India, Equinix, highlighted their efforts, “At Equinix, our operational sustainability strategy is deeply rooted in the principles of the circular economy, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, Scope 1 emissions, and waste management. Through our Responsible Electronics Disposal (RED) program, we refurbish and remarket IT assets, giving them a second life and reducing the need for new resource extraction. In 2023 alone, 37% of Equinix-owned servers were refurbished and remarketed, and we aim to increase this to 50% by 2025. Our dedication to the circular economy is evident through our rigorous adherence to ISO 14001 standards in managing all types of waste, including hazardous and electronic waste. We aim to certify all our sites by 2027, ensuring a consistent and compliant waste management framework across our global operations.”

“Unscientific recycling and recovery methods are putting life at risk in addition to confounding the problem of environmental degradation. When seen through the lens of intergenerational equity and sustainability, we are leaving behind a horrible trail of destruction and mess”, highlighted Venkatraman Narayanan, MD & CFO of Happiest Minds Technologies

Fortunately, innovative solutions are emerging to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy for plastics. Ranjit Kulkarni, Vice President & General Manager, Energy and Sustainability Solutions, Honeywell India, explained, “Nature is a perfect example of a circular economy, where everything produced is recycled completely. Honeywell is at the forefront of developing innovative technologies that enable and accelerate the circular economy across multiple industries. The circular economy aims to move away from the traditional take-make-waste linear model, towards one that minimizes waste and keeps materials and products in use for as long as possible and recycles at the end of life. Our UpCycle Process Technology is revolutionizing plastic circularity by chemically recycling typically unrecyclable plastic waste back into high-quality polymer feedstocks for new plastic production.”

The path towards a circular economy for plastics is not an easy one, but the consequences of inaction are dire. By embracing a holistic and collaborative approach, we can create a future where plastics are responsibly managed, resources are conserved, and our planet’s health is prioritized. It is a journey that requires unwavering commitment, innovative solutions, and a shared vision of a sustainable and prosperous future for all. The time to act is now, for the sake of our planet and the generations to come.